Second-time charms. NBC's Southland, in its second week against repeats on ABC, drew 9.6 million viewers Thursday, down just slightly from its opener, while Amy Poehler's Parks and Recreation (6 million) fell a modest 13%, similar to the dropoff for ABC's The Unusuals (also 6 million Wednesday). News wasn't as good for CBS serial Harper's Island, which dropped 24%, to 7.8 million, opposite Southland.

Even the best TV talents are sometimes at less than their best. In a business as tough as TV, missteps are inevitable. The people who gave you thirtysomething also gave you Quarterlife. The man who gave you Deadwood also gave you John From Cincinnati. And now, unfortunately, the folks from Arrested Development give you Sit Down, Shut Up. Some gifts, I fear, you just need to give back.

Viewers weaned off network TV by the lasting effects of last winter's writers' strike are being lured back this winter. January's heavy hitters American Idol, Lost and 24 will return for new non-stop seasons, along with a large load of new scripted series, in what's shaping up to be the most crucial midseason in years.

A Lollapalooza of laughter kicks off tonight on the Strip as more than 130 comedians are set to perform over five days. The Comedy Festival, in only its second year, has emerged as the world's biggest comedy event, filling four showrooms at Caesars Palace and drawing a wide range of talent led by red-hot Dane Cook, Sarah Silverman, Damon Wayans and many more.

Two years ago, the people at TLC wouldn't have traded spaces with anybody. The home makeover show Trading Spaces was one of those cultural phenomena most tiny cable networks can only dream about, and TLC rode the wave to record ratings and attention. Then it crashed.